Pretty Woman Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Pretty Woman" in 1080p high definition, retaining its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, offers a mixed bag in terms of video quality, much like the varied experiences reflected across reviews. On one hand, certain sequences, particularly well-lit outdoor scenes such as the vibrant Polo match or the Rodeo Drive montage, benefit significantly from the high-definition upgrade, showcasing deep colors and a commendable level of detail that far surpasses previous VHS, LaserDisc, or DVD versions. The presence of natural film grain throughout adds a cinematic texture that lends the movie an authentic, theatrical feel, while black levels are praised for their depth in dark, street-level shots, creating visually pleasing scenes that highlight the improved contrast and color saturation typical of Blu-ray presentations.

Conversely, the video presentation is not without its disappointments, with numerous critiques highlighting the inconsistency of image quality. Indoor and low-light scenes often appear drab, exhibiting softness and a lack of sharp detail that makes for a rather flat viewing experience. Grain is notably present, sometimes contributing to the atmospheric feel of the movie but also detracting from the clarity expected in high-definition content. Color rendition, while generally accurate and appealing with primary hues popping under the right conditions, occasionally falls short, presenting faded tones or inconsistent flesh tones that suggest the limitations of the source material rather than the transfer itself. The overall consensus suggests a marginally improved visual experience over DVD, yet it falls short of the transformative potential often anticipated with Blu-ray upgrades.

Despite these inconsistencies, this Blu-ray edition represents the best video presentation "Pretty Woman" has received to date. While certain scenes showcase an impressive depth and richness of color that fans will appreciate, the fluctuating quality highlights the inherent challenges of adapting films of its age and filming style to modern high-definition formats. The effort to maintain the film's original look without succumbing to overzealous digital noise reduction or artificial enhancements is commendable, ensuring that "Pretty Woman" retains its cinematic charm. This release is an essential upgrade for fans, despite tempered expectations regarding the limitations of its high-definition transition.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Pretty Woman" offers a nuanced and satisfying auditory experience, especially evident in its treatment of the iconic soundtrack. The uncompressed PCM 5.1 soundtrack delivers a rich, dynamic audio landscape, where dialogue remains consistently clear and centrally focused, allowing for every conversational nuance and subtlety to be appreciated. This clarity extends to the throwaway lines, ensuring that nothing is lost in the mix. The film's music, from hits like Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" to the scores by James Newton Howard, benefits greatly from this lossless audio encoding, demonstrating a broad dynamic range that, while not pushing the limits of your sound system, significantly enhances the viewing experience.

Stereo separation across the front channels adds depth to the audio representation, though it remains modest, with directional effects sparingly utilized to maintain an active audio field. Bass responses are generally restrained but come alive during key moments, such as the thundering hooves at the polo match, offering a tactile sense of presence. The soundtrack's standout moment undoubtedly comes from the tracks of the '80s and '90s, including "It Must Have Been Love" by Roxette and "Fame 90" by David Bowie, which are imbued with a vibrancy and clarity that almost transports the listener back in time, complemented by solid bass and crisp vocals.

Rear channel activity is minimal, reflecting the film's focus on character and dialogue over immersive soundscapes. However, the subtle ambient sounds that do filter through add a layer of immersion without detracting from the story's forward momentum. Overall, while "Pretty Woman's" audio might not rival the most technically aggressive Blu-ray releases, its careful balance of clear dialogue, dynamic music presentation, and restrained yet effective use of ambient sounds supports and enhances the film's narrative and emotional impact effectively.

The Pretty Woman Blu-ray extras provide a mixed bag of behind-the-scenes content, capturing the film's essence and legacy. The highlight is Garry Marshall's commentary, offering insights with a blend of nostalgia and humor, making it compelling even when it veers towards plot recap and light analysis. The blooper reel and footage from the wrap party offer glimpses of the cast's chemistry, despite the latter's awkward performance. LA: The Pretty Woman Tour stands out by adding geographical context to iconic scenes, enriching the viewing experience with Marshall's personal anecdotes. The 1990 Production Featurette, while lacking depth, alongside Natalie Cole's music video, captures the film's era-specific charm. Despite being standard definition, these extras encapsulate the film's enduring appeal, though they leave room for a more substantial retrospective.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director's Commentary: Insightful track with Garry Marshall
• Blooper Reel: Collection of on-set mishaps
• Live from the Wrap Party: Cast performances at the film's conclusion
• LA; The Pretty Woman Tour: Documentary on film locations
• 1990 Production Featurette: Behind-the-scenes interviews and clips
• Wild Women Do: Music video by Natalie Cole
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film trailer

"Pretty Woman," directed by Garry Marshall and starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, remains an iconic cornerstone of '90s cinema, nearly three decades after its release. The story follows Edward Lewis (Gere), a wealthy businessman, and Vivian Ward (Roberts), a spirited and independent prostitute, as they embark on a relationship that starts with a business proposition but blossoms into a deeply romantic connection. The film expertly combines elements of drama and comedy, transcending the romantic comedy genre to explore themes of personal transformation, societal acceptance, and the unpredictability of love. Its portrayal of Vivian's metamorphosis, under the guidance of Edward and the hotel manager Barney Thompson (Hector Elizondo), from a Hollywood Boulevard prostitute to a woman of elegance mirrors classic narratives like "Cinderella" and "My Fair Lady," yet it retains a unique charm and relevance that captivates modern audiences.

The chemistry between Gere and Roberts is palpable, contributing significantly to the movie's success and paving the way for Roberts to become one of the most beloved actresses of her time. The film not only showcases their individual talents but also marks a defining moment in their careers, establishing them as enduring symbols of Hollywood romance. The supporting cast, including Elizondo's memorable portrayal of the compassionate hotel manager and Jason Alexander's role as the antagonistic lawyer, further enriches the narrative, making "Pretty Woman" more than just a love story; it's a cinematic experience that resonates with humor, heart, and humanity.

Moreover, "Pretty Woman" left an indelible mark on the romantic comedy landscape, reshaping the genre by centering a strong, charismatic female lead whose journey of self-discovery and empowerment resonates with viewers. It broke away from traditional rom-com formulas by addressing challenging themes with sensitivity and depth, wrapped in a fairy tale-like narrative that still feels fresh and relevant. The film's legacy is evident in its continued popularity and its influence on subsequent romantic comedies that seek to capture its magic and appeal. Through its blend of humor, romance, and memorable moments—such as the iconic jewelry box scene—it remains a beloved classic that continues to captivate and charm audiences around the globe.

The Blu-ray release of "Pretty Woman" finds itself under scrutiny in a market where high-definition remastering has become the norm for beloved classics. This film, celebrating its timeless charm nearly two decades post its original debut, navigates through the expectations of both enduring fans and a new generation of viewers with mixed results. The viewing experience was tested across an array of high-end equipment including the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector and several elite Blu-ray players like the Panasonic DMP-BD55K and Sony Playstation 3, augmented by a Canton Ergo Series sound setup. While the film retains its captivating narrative, driven by Julia Roberts' iconic performance and a storyline that melds fairy tale whimsy with contemporary relevance, the technical delivery somewhat fluctuates in meeting the gold standard.

Visually, "Pretty Woman" on Blu-ray surpasses previous home video releases, presenting a clarity and richness that adds a fresh veneer to the cinematic experience. However, it falls short of reaching the pinnacle of reference quality observed in top-tier Blu-ray discs. The auditory experience complements the visual improvements well, though it doesn't particularly stand out among other high-definition audio tracks. The bonus material, described as underwhelming by some, still offers a nostalgic peek behind the curtain of this classic film's production and legacy. The technical specifications, involving equipment like the Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor and Wireworld Ultraviolet HDMI cabling, ensure that the film is viewed in a setting that maximizes its potential, albeit within the constraints of its transfer quality.

In conclusion, while "Pretty Woman" on Blu-ray doesn't redefine the boundaries of high-definition remastering, it certainly enhances an already beloved movie. The upgrade is markedly better than standard DVD quality and is a must-have for fans. For newcomers or casual viewers, the Blu-ray offers an improved viewing experience that may justify its addition to their collection. Despite its technical shortcomings in comparison to the highest standards of Blu-ray releases, the film’s enduring appeal, bolstered by its charming leads and compelling storyline, ensures its place in the libraries of movie enthusiasts seeking to experience or re-experience this classic in the best available format.